Electric conductor



Feb. 7, 1933. E ANDREW 1,896,475

ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR Filed Nov. 1, 1950 vwemtoz @3313 3/5" a-H'OWW Patented Feb. 7, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EDWIN L. ANDREW, 0F ROME, NEW YORK, ASSIGNGR TO GENERAL CABLE CORIORA- TION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CGRPORATION OF NEW JERSEY ELECTRIC C-SNDUGTQE Application filed November This invention relates to electric conductors and more particularly to cables having a plurality of separate conductors located within a single casing or sheath.

In cables of this type it is customary to provide a characteristic thread or braid in the covering of each individual strand for purposes of identification. As hitherto constructed, the protective materials with which cables are impregnated, rapidly obliterate such distinguishing marks so that their utility is ultimately destroyed.

An object of this invention is to provide a cable of the type set forth constructed and arranged to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages.

A further object is to provide an electric conductor having an improved means of identification.

These and other objects which will be apparent to those skilled in this particular art are accomplished by the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a view in elevation of a cable constructed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention, certain parts being broken away for the purposes of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the cable shown in Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a similar view on the line 33 of Fi 1.

Fri the illustrated embodiment of this invention, the surface of each individual metallic conductor is preferably treated in some manner to provide a somewhat roughened surface, and this surface is then dyed with a suitable coloring material to enable the associated conductor to be identified by workmen when such conductor is uncovered.

As illustrated, the cable 5 includes a plu rality of individual conductors 6 the surface of which is treated, preferably being oxidized, to provide a coating 7 to which coloring matter will readily adhere. This coating is then colored by any suitable ma terial, the difierent conductors of a given cable being, of course, provided with different colors for identification purposes.

The colored conductor is provided with any i, 1930. Serial No. 492,651.

form of insulating covering such as a layer of rubber 8 and braided covering 9, the finished cable having any desired form of metallic or non-metallic sheath or covering 10. With certain conductors, such as aluminum, the oxide layer will also constitute a means of insulation.

It will be apparent that the identifying color of each conductor 6, being incorporated directly in and forming a part of't-he surface of such conductor, and hence being located Within the rubber insulation 8 with which each conductor is surrounded, is protected against the materials with which cables are commonly impregnated, and against the dis coloring eiiect thereof. As a result, it will be found that the colored coating of a given conductor is fresh and bright and readily discernible after long continued use, so that identification is easy even in case of cables which have been used for a considerable time. It will also be apparent that the invention is applicable to all forms of cables and conductors regardless of the material of which they are made or the uses to which they are put.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is An article of manufacture comprising a cable having a plurality of electrical conductors, a differently colored metallic surface on each conductor, a layer of insulation surrounding each conductor and a cover surrounding the whole.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this eighth day of October, 1930.

EDWIN L. ANDREW. 

